Randolph · Web viewLiat Hoffman [email protected] Secretary Sue Reuter 781-961-6211 ext. 517 Hope Rego-Partial Inclusion 781-961-6211 ext. 104 [email protected]

Randolph Public Schools“Building Tomorrow, Today”

Pre-K ProgramStudent/Family Handbook

2019-2020

20 Hurley DriveRandolph, MA 02368

Phone: 781-961-6211 Extension 521Fax: 781-961-6268

Website: https://www.randolph.k12.ma.us/prek

Our Schools: AIM Academy ~ Elizabeth G. Lyons ES ~ John F. Kennedy ES~ Margaret L. Donovan ES ~ Martin E. Young ES ~ Randolph Community MS ~ Randolph High School

Non-Discrimination PolicyThe Randolph Public Schools (RPS) do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, ethnic identity, sex, gender identity, disability, handicap, age, religion, sexual orientation or homelessness in admission to or participation in its programs and activities. RPS does not tolerate any form of discrimination, intimidation, threat, bullying, coercion and/or harassment that insults the dignity of others by interfering with their ability or freedom to learn and work.

2019-2020 RPS Pre-K Student/Family Handbook Page 1

August 2019

Welcome to the Randolph Public Schools Pre-K Program! Our team of exceptionally qualified early childhood and special education professionals is excited to provide your child a rich experience filled with learning through exploration and discovery. Each child will be both challenged and nurtured throughout the year and we are looking forward to watching your child grow.

Our program seeks to ensure an environment of inclusion and collaboration for our preschoolers, for our families and for our staff. In the classroom, inclusive environments provide opportunities for children of all ability levels in all our classrooms to participate as peer partners in learning. All of our classrooms are “integrated” or have opportunities of “integration” providing a program that is designed to meet the needs of both children with and without disabilities in the same setting. Teachers seek to build on individual strengths as well provide foundational skills and strategies to strengthen any other areas.

In these classrooms instruction is differentiated (provided at a variety of levels) in order to ensure that all students have opportunities for enrichment. Peers are the best teachers at this age. Our teachers capitalize on the peer partner model, providing opportunities for academic learning and discovery through social interaction. Research tells us that quality peer partner programs enable all children involved to learn and discover at their own developmental rate. In addition, children in these classrooms, with and without special needs, develop an awareness, or a greater awareness, of empathy for individual differences in others.

We are also committed to strengthening our connection to our families and building even more of a “community” here at the Randolph Public Schools Pre-K Program. We encourage you to get involved and help us help our school continue to grow!

As I look forward to the new school year, I find myself thinking how fortunate I am to work alongside such a committed and dedicated staff. I am eager to form stronger relationships with all of you and of course, I am very excited to be part of the growth and learning that I know will occur in your beautiful children.

Thank you!

Danielle Galvin Thea R. StovellAssistant Principal for Special Education (Pre-K-5) Superintendent of Schools




RPS Pre-K Program Table of Contents

Content Page #Translations 5District Liaisons 5Program Overview 6Program Staff

● Classrooms ● Specialists ● Nursing ● Paraprofessionals

7

Staff Directory 8School Calendar 9Daily Operations

● Arriving On-Time ● Dressing for Preschool ● Snack

9-10

Lunch 10Policies and Procedures

● Confidentiality ● Enrollment

○ Children with Special Needs ○ Community Peers

11-12

Tuition 12Transportation

● Traffic Patterns 13

Health 14Absences 15Diapering/Toileting Procedures 15Release of Student Information 16Evacuation and Lockdown Drills 17Discipline 17Restraint Policy 17Inclement Weather 17




Conferences 17Student Assessment 18Parents as Partners

● Visiting the Program ● Parent Volunteer Opportunities

19

Important Tips and Tidbits● Spare Clothes ● Labeling ● Backpacks ● Communication Folders ● Birthday Celebrations ● Sharing Days ● Home Toys ● Special Day Events ● Communicating with Teachers and Staff ● Paperwork

20-21

Student/Family Handbook/Media Release Signature Page 22




TranslationsEnglish

If you need any of this document translated please contact the Family Resource Center at 781-961-6247

Haitian CreoleSi ou bezwen nenpòt nan dokiman sa a tradui, tanpri kontakte biwo Family Resource Center 781-961-6247

VietnameseNếu bạn cần bất kỳ tài liệu nào được dịch, vui lòng liên hệ với văn phòng Family Resource Center 781-961-6247

SpanishSi usted necesita alguno de este documento traducido póngase en contacto con Family Resource Center 781-961-6247

French

Si vous avez besoin de traduire ce document s'il vous plaît contacter le Family Resource Center 781-961-6247

District LiaisonsDirector of Special Education and Pupil Services

Alpha Sanford 781- 961-6237

Special Education and Out of District Coordinator

Katy Sleczkowski 781-961-6237

Director of English Language Learners Hana Walsh- DirectorEvelyn Morales- ELL Administrative Assistant

781-961-6220 ext. 580781-961-6220 ext. 535




Program Information

Program Overview:The Randolph Public Schools Pre-K Program is committed to fostering each child’s development as a unique “whole child,” approaching learning comprehensively across seven developmental domains.

Cognitive Early Academic Readiness

Fine MotorGross Motor

Self-help (Independence)Speech and LanguageSocial and Emotional

Activities are selected and designed through a curriculum mapping process involving our teachers and specialists in order to contribute to and enhance the logical development of all students participating in the program.

Language and movement play a significant role in young children’s brain development and we strive to seamlessly weave both language and movement in our preschool curriculum. We provide opportunities for staff to collaborate with our Speech and Language, Occupational and Physical Therapists, creating stimulating experiences which incorporate language and motor development throughout the preschool day.

Here at the Randolph Public Schools Pre-K Program, we also recognize that the parent is the child’s first teacher who knows and understands that child in a way that only a parent can. We are committed to creating essential opportunities for partnerships between home and school in order to allow each of our students to develop to his/her maximum potential

Our students participate in an inclusive, or “integrated” preschool model. In these language-based classrooms, children of all ability levels, with and without identified special needs, are taught together in an environment that nurtures peers as partners in learning. Research has proven that linking children of varying ability levels actually enhances the growth and development of all the children. Each of our classrooms maintains a low class size, maxing out at 15, with a Massachusetts certified teacher and 2 highly qualified paraprofessionals.

Integrated Preschool Classroom Descriptions

2-Day Program Tuesday, Thursday 8:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

3-Day Program Monday, Wednesday, FridayTuesday, Wednesday, Thursday

8:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

4-Day Program Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 12:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.




5-Day Program Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 8:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Program Staff:ClassroomsThe Randolph Public Schools is committed to hiring educators of the highest quality, and our early childhood program is no exception! Each classroom is staffed with one licensed teacher certified in early childhood development/special education as well as at least one highly qualified paraprofessional.

SpecialistsAt the RPS Pre-K Program we have board certified Speech and Language Pathologists, Occupational and Physical Therapists and a Behavior Analysist on staff. Each of these specialists not only provides services for our children with special needs, but also consults with our classroom teachers and facilitates whole group activities to ensure the growth and development of all our students.

NursingThe RPS Pre-K Program shares a full time nurse with the John F. Kennedy Elementary School, who is available to consult with families and teachers about medical conditions, allergies and even promoting overall health and wellness.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)At the RPS Pre-K Program, we have a consultative model with a BCBA. Multiple staff members have been trained as Registered Behavior Technicians and are able to implement suggestions made by the BCBA. ABA services, if deemed necessary and appropriate are implemented by the teacher and other Pre-K staff members.




Randolph Public Schools Pre-K Program Team Members

Danielle GalvinPre-K Coordinator

781-961-6211 Ext. 521 [email protected]

Irene KeefeNurse Leader

781-961-6211 [email protected]

Special Educators Specialists Paraprofessionals

Tasha Baryski- Partial Inclusion781-961-6211 ext. 113

[email protected]

Speech and Language Therapists

Jennifer [email protected]

781-961-6211 ext. 505

Renée Downes [email protected]

781-961-6211 ext. 509

Matthew BatstoneRhesa Cumberbatch

Ashely DohertyDaniel FlahertyElaine Gautreau

Sarah JasonRachelle Millien-Janvier

Pamela PageHermiline Piverger

Anne TranAlexandra Widawski

Lindsay WilliamsFernando Zevallos

TBDTBD

Kathy Bristow- Full Inclusion781-961-6211 ext. 102

[email protected]

Isabel Gonzalez- Full Inclusion781-961-6211 ext. 103

[email protected]

Occupational Therapists781-961-6211 ext. 222

Jane [email protected]

Liana [email protected] Healy- Full Inclusion

781-961-6211 ext. [email protected]

Mary Henderson- Full Inclusion781-961-6211 ext. 116

[email protected]

Physical Therapist781-961-6211 ext. 222

Liat [email protected]

SecretarySue Reuter

781-961-6211 ext. 517

Hope Rego-Partial Inclusion781-961-6211 ext. 104

regoh @randolph.k12.ma.us

Stacey Kaplan- Substantially Separate781-961-6211 ext. 115

Kristen CollinsBCBA

781-961-6211 ext. 510Our Schools: AIM Academy ~ Elizabeth G. Lyons ES ~ John F. Kennedy ES~ Margaret L. Donovan ES ~ Martin E. Young ES ~ Randolph Community MS ~ Randolph High School



mailto:[email protected]











[email protected] [email protected]





School Calendar:

The RPS Pre-K Program will follow the Randolph Public School Calendar as published on the website: https://www.randolph.k12.ma.us/Page/2#calendar29/20190224/month

Early Release Days

● Occasionally there will be early release days for the Randolph Public Schools that have been set to provide for staff development opportunities. Dismissal time on those days will be at 11:00 for all Pre-K students.

Daily Operations:

Arriving on Time: Please arrive ON TIME!

Our day at the program begins at 8:30 and students should arrive between 8:20 and 8:30 in order to ensure a smooth transition to the school day. Please park in the parking lot and walk your child into the main entrance to meet their teacher or paraprofessional. Arriving on time to school is important to ensuring your child’s smooth daily transition.

Dressing for Pre-K

Here at the RPS Pre-K Program we recognize that children learn when they are busy exploring their environment and the materials around them. In other words; we love to play!

● We are known to enjoy more than our share of messy activities, so all clothing should be washable.● Consider the changing weather and please dress your child accordingly. Provide sweaters and jackets

even on sunny fall and spring days, in in the event it is chilly.● Appropriate footwear should also be considered for the playground and the gym which are used almost

daily. Open toed shoes are not recommended.

Items to Be Brought to SchoolEach child should have:

1. A large zippered backpack in which to transport News Books, art projects, and snacks. Lunch boxes are optional, but must be able to fit inside the backpack.

2. One light snack and a drink. Please do not send glass bottles or carbonated beverages. 3. A zip-lock bag containing an extra complete change of clothing, including shirt, pants, underwear,

diapers (if needed) and socks and each item must be labeled. As items are used, please replace them the following school day.

4. Children who wear diapers/pull-ups must bring in a supply of wipes and diaper/pull-ups to be kept in school.




***For Students staying a Full Day (8:30-2:30)1. Everything mentioned above including a lunch.2. A blanket or a flat twin-sized sheet to be used on mats at rest times. Linens will be sent home regularly

for laundering.3. An Extra Large “Ziploc Big Bag” (2 ft. x 1.7 ft.) in which to store rest time linens4. A toothbrush and toothpaste

CONTRIBUTIONS

Many personal items needed daily by the children in the Pre-K classrooms. At the beginning of the year we appreciate a donation of:

- a full-sized box of tissues- a roll of paper towels- a package of white paper napkins- a box of long “bendable” drinking straws- a box of gallon- or quart-sized zip-lock bags- a package of brown paper lunch bags- a box of plastic spoons, knives, forks from each child- plain white paper plates - 5 ounce paper/plastic cups

We thank families in advance for their support. As needs arise, teachers may request various household items for use in art projects. Teachers try to vary requests as situations arise. Please wait for a request before sending these items.

Snack

Snack time is learning time here in the Pre-K Program. It is a time that fosters rich conversation, self-help skills and nutritional awareness. It is an important time of the day for community building, strengthening social and language development. Please provide your child with a healthy snack and drink daily.

Be sure to inform us of any food allergies (i.e. chocolate, nuts, sugar, milk, eggs, etc.) so we can ensure that snack time is safe for your child.

Lunch

Lunch is offered for our students that remain for the full day. If your child remains at school for the full day session, please send in a lunch, along with a snack, with food and drink your child enjoys.




Policies and Procedures ConfidentialityTo protect the privacy of children and their families, we follow strict confidentiality laws. We do not release the names, ages or other personal information including evaluation results, without written permission. Information regarding a child’s development, progress or evaluation results is shared with the immediate staff working with the child and is shared for ensuring the child’s safety and for curriculum planning purposes only. Please respect the privacy of the other families by only discussing and sharing information about your own child EnrollmentThe Randolph Public Schools offers an inclusive early childhood program through the Pre-K Program for children ages three to five. Placement in one of our integrated classrooms is through either the special education/team evaluation and eligibility process, as part of the student’s IEP, or through the annual application and lottery process for typical learners. This lottery is completed in the Spring of each year to determine enrollment for the following school year. The number of students enrolled in each classroom is determined by the Massachusetts regulations and by the space available.

All Children

Before a child may enter the program, the following must be submitted to the Pre-K Coordinator:1. A completed Registration Packet and documents as stipulated by the Family Resource Center2. An original Birth Certificate.3. A copy of Guardian/Custody Papers, if applicable.4. Copies of four (4) forms of Proof of Residency (See registration form for further details.) 5. A record of all State Mandated Immunizations. 6. A copy of the most recent Physical Exam (completed within a year).

Children with Special Needs

Children with special needs are enrolled in the RPS Pre-K Program only after the development of an Individualized Education Program and the determination that participation in the program is appropriate to meet the needs of the child.

Peer Partners

Eligibility criteria for Peer Partners:

● Child must be 3.0 by September 1st of the year participating● Priority is given to Randolph residents ● Child may not have identified special needs● Parents assume responsibility for annual tuition payments, following the payment

schedule provided with their enrollment application.




Peer Partner slots are awarded by a lottery held in the Spring of each year. Parents/Guardians must submit a lottery application in order to participate in the lottery system.

Upon acceptance into the Pre-K Program as a peer partner, parents are required to return an agreement and non-refundable deposit to the Pre-K Coordinator that is forwarded to the Finance office. It is the parent’s responsibility to make payment according to the payment schedule as no bills will be sent. Bank Checks or Money Order must be payable to the Randolph Public Schools and be sent into school with your child.

Failure to pay tuition will result in your child’s inability to attend the program.

Under no circumstances is transportation provided by the Randolph Public Schools for peer partners.

A peer partner may no longer be eligible to participate in the Pre-K Program if it is felt that his or her behavior, once determined not to be related to a disability, is detrimental to the health or safety of others, or is such that it may interfere with the appropriate developmental acquisition of skills of the other children participating in the program.

Tuition

Each integrated classroom has up to 8 spots that are reserved for peer partners. These spots are awarded through a lottery that is held in the Spring. Rates for the 2019-2020 school year are as follows:

Program Days Monthly Tuition Cost

2 Day Program $50

3 Day Program $150

4 Day Program $200

5 Day Program $250




Transportation

Traffic Patterns for drop-off and pick-up-

● Safety is our first priority! Drop off and pick up can get a bit busy and it is CRITICAL that you hold your child’s hand at all times.

● NO PARKING in the Traffic Circle. Please park in the parking lots and walk your child into the main entrance.

● Drop Off: o For the 8:30 drop off time, parents should park in one of the three main lots and escort their

child(ren) to the second side entrance where the busses are dropping off to meet the teacher or paraprofessionals.

o For 11:00 pick up, and the PM session (12:00-2:30), parents should park and escort each child into the main entrance to meet the teacher or paraprofessionals.

● Pick Up: Parents should park as directed above and enter the building to pick up their child.● Be sure to write a note to your child’s teacher in the News Book or call the school office if:o you plan to pick up your child before the regular dismissal time. Children must be picked up in

the office or other location named by the school. Parents/guardians may not go directly to classrooms to pick up their children .

o your child will be going home in a different vehicle or with a different person than is usual. Without written parental consent, staff must send the child home in the usual way. Any person unfamiliar to school staff will be asked to provide photo identification.




Health Your child’s health is a matter of major importance to us. Your child may be sent home if he or she appears to have symptoms of illness during the school day. In addition, it is important that you keep your child home if he/she:● Has evidence of a newly developed severe cough or cold (runny, stuffy nose, coughing, sneezing). The

greatest period of contagion is the first 2-3 days after onset of symptoms.● Has the flu or flu like symptoms.● Has had an elevated temperature, over 100 degrees within the past 24 hours.● Has a suspicious rash.● Has sore or discharging eye(s) or ear(s).● Has had an upset stomach, vomiting or diarrhea within the past 24 hours.● Has a contagious disease or condition (i.e. strep throat, tonsillitis, bronchitis, conjunctivitis, chicken pox, etc.)

until he/she has been on medication at least 24-48 hours from the first dose.In accordance with Massachusetts State rules and regulations, the following information about incubation periods is provided for you:

1. For chicken pox: 12 to 21 days2. For mumps: 12 to 26 days, although commonly 18 days3. For streptococcus type infections, including scarlet fever: 1 to 3 days

If your child is ill at school, the school nurse will determine if s/he is well enough to remain. Parents, guardians, or designees listed on the child’s emergency card will be contacted and expected to arrange for the child’s transportation home if deemed necessary by the school nurse.

Should your child contract any communicable disease, your doctor is your best source for deciding the appropriate course of action. A doctor’s certificate is required upon return to school.

Medication: No student is permitted to take any medicine at the Pre-K Program, prescription or non-prescription, including inhalers, without submitting a doctor’s written request. Forms for this purpose are available through the school nurse with whom all arrangements must be made. Medications can only be given by the school nurse. Please contact the school nurse at 781-961-6211 ext. 508 with any questions about medication.

Accidents/Illnesses at School: In the event of an accident or illness, the school will assist parents with a child’s health care in the following ways:

1. Provide immediate care and first aid as deemed necessary by the school nurse.2. Notify the parent, guardian, and/or person identified on the emergency card of a child’s illness or

accident occurring in school during school hours.

Allergies




Please inform the school nurse and your child’s teacher if your child suffers from any allergies or has any food restrictions. Children are not allowed to share snacks. Children will be served only those foods sent by their families.

Please call the school nurse with any health related questions at 781-961-6211 ext. 508.

AbsencesAll absences must be verified with proper documentation. Failure to submit proper documentation will result in an unexcused absence. A parent/guardian note does not excuse an absence if the absence does not meet the criteria to be excused.

o Pursuant to School Committee Policy JH, students may be excused temporarily from school for the following reasons:

Illness or quarantine (see further below) Bereavement or serious illness in the family (parental note required) Weather so inclement as to endanger the health of the child. Religious observances for those religious holidays determined by the MA

Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (parental note required) Absences should be supported by a valid doctor’s note specifying the dates to be excused. Sick visits should be supported by a doctor’s note specifying the date of appointment. Routine medical appointments should be supported by a doctor’s note specifying the date of appointment. If your child is unable to attend school, a note explaining his/her absence is required on the day s/he returns

to school. If your child’s absence is likely to last longer than three days, please telephone the school to report the cause of the absence. Absences of five or more consecutive days require a note from a physician prior to school readmittance.

Diapering/Toileting ProceduresA bathroom equipped with appropriate fixtures is either within the classroom or just outside and students will be encouraged to use the facilities. They will be supervised and given assistance as needed. All areas are sanitized and maintained in a safe manner. Toilet training will not be coerced. Generally staff will assist parents in carrying out the toileting routine upon which you have decided. For best results, please discuss this with your child’s teacher. Families should supply all necessary diapers, pull-ups and wipes for their child. Students wash their hands with liquid soap and running water after toileting. Staff members also wash their hands with liquid soap and running water after assisting children with any toileting routine or if dealing with bodily fluids. Individual paper towels shall be used to dry hands. Clothing soiled by feces, urine, vomit or blood shall be double-bagged in sealed plastic bags and stored apart from other items.

Diaper Changing

Children at the RPS Pre-K program shall not be denied admittance based on whether they are toilet trained. Staff will work together with families to meet the developmental needs surrounding toileting of all children.




A supply of clean diapers and wipes is maintained for each child by the child’s family.

Diapers are changed by classroom staff. Diapers are checked during bathroom times and are changed when wet or soiled as soon as possible. Diapers are changed either in the large bathroom stall in each of the children’s bathrooms or in the nurses office.

RELEASE OF STUDENT INFORMATION

PublicationsOn occasion, the school system may publish a student’s name and class in relation to a school-sponsored activity. A parent/guardian objecting to such a publication should notify the building principal in writing prior to the student’s entry into such an activity.

Also, from time to time, a list of names, addresses, and telephone numbers of Preschoolers may be made available to parents wishing to arrange play dates, make carpooling arrangements, etc. If you do not wish to be included, please notify your child’s teacher in writing via the News Book.

Videotaping and photographingSome school activities are videotaped for use on local cable television. Photographs of school activities may be taken by the press. Parents/guardians who do not want their child to participate in video recording or newspaper pictures, etc., must notify the building principal in writing of their explicit request that their child not appear in such photos or videos, via a form sent home at the beginning of the year.

Student Records

The school department does not release information about students without parental consent. Before school staff can be allowed to speak to persons from outside agencies about a student, parents must sign a release of information form.

According to the state regulations, the following persons may receive school records: The student’s parents or legal guardian if the student is under the age of 14. Any person authorized, in writing, by the parent/guardian. Certain state agencies, such as the Department of Children & Families or the courts, under specific

circumstances.




Evacuation and Lock down DrillsFire evacuation and lockdown drills are held periodically to ensure that students and staff are aware of emergency procedures. Procedures for each are in each classroom. All parents will be notified on the day of the drill, after it has occurred. Our teachers are very aware of the feelings these drills may cause in young children and are quick to reassure them. We explain to the students that this is just one of the many ways we keep everyone safe. Please let us know if you or your child has any questions about any aspect of safety in our program.

DisciplineTeaching staff never use physical punishment and do not engage in psychological abuse or coercion. Teachers do not use threats or derogatory remarks and neither withhold nor threaten to withhold food as a form of discipline.

Staff focuses on, and states, the desired positive behavior when addressing challenging behaviors and handles each situation as it pertains to the individual child. The collaborative problem solving approach is fostered throughout the program and staff encourages parents to engage in this process as well.

Restraint PolicyThe Randolph Public Schools complies with the provisions of 603 CMR Section 46.00 dealing with restraint of students in public schools. To that end, the district’s policy developed pursuant to those regulations is available upon request from the Pre-K Coordinator, the Director of Student Services or at the Superintendent’s office.

Inclement WeatherOur program operates according to the school calendar that is posted on the Randolph Public School’s website. In the event of snow or other weather-related concerns, please check television channels 4, 5 and 7. You can sign up for instant notifications via email or text message on each of these websites. In addition, a “Connect Ed” telephone message will go out from the superintendent to all homes announcing the cancellation or delay.

● For Early Releases due to inclement weather, Pre-K will release at 11:00 am with no afternoon session.

● For Delayed Starts due to inclement weather, Pre-K will begin at 12:00 pm with no morning session.




ConferencesParent Conferences are held twice a year with the first one occurring in December and the second in February. This is a wonderful opportunity for parents, guardians and classroom teachers to connect and you are highly encouraged to participate in these. A strong partnership between school and home is ideal for student success.

Student AssessmentOur assessment system focuses on all areas of child development and includes a variety of data collection strategies. Assessments in the program are used for a variety of purposes; to measure student growth and learning in all areas of child development including; cognitive, language, social-emotional, approaches to learning, health and wellness, fine and gross motor and self-help or independence, to inform curriculum and teaching decisions, to identify student interests, to determine special education eligibility and to monitor progress and development. Families are encouraged to participate in the assessment process by sharing any relevant information about their child with the classroom teacher. Your input is important to us and staff will be looking to you for your thoughts on areas of development. Essential questions for each unit of study are posted on a monthly calendar and are designed to guide conversations around school curriculum at home.Tools & Methods;A variety of methods and tools are utilized on an ongoing and integrated basis including the following;

● Teacher observation throughout the classroom day● Teacher created checklists utilized through play and teacher directed times● Teaching Strategies Gold assessment completed during play and teacher directed times● Collection of work samples & photographs● Ages and Stages Screening Tool before enrollment (for those children not already formally evaluated

through the special education process). Parents/guardians wishing to refer their child for a formal evaluation should contact, Danielle Galvin at 781-961-6211 ext. 521 or The Special Education Office at 781-961-6237

Assessment results are reviewed with the program staff in October, January and May and with parents and guardians twice a year; through report cards and conferences. The first set of report cards will arrive in February with the second coming in June. Report cards are sent home with the children in their backpacks. Progress reports for students on an IEP are also sent twice a year along with the report card .If at any time you have any questions about your child’s progress or development please let us know. We are happy to meet with you. Conferences are a great opportunity for classroom teachers to connect with families to share assessment results and report on progress and to learn more from families on their assessment of the child. Families are encouraged to connect with classroom teachers at any time for updates on development or to share any questions, concerns or assessment information.




Parents as Partners

Visiting the ProgramParents and Guardians are welcome to visit the program while following observation procedures. If you wish to observe in your child’s classroom please contact the Danielle Galvin to schedule a time.

Parent Volunteer OpportunitiesParents and guardians who complete a Cori are invited to volunteer in the program. We are always looking for ways to incorporate parent volunteers in our program. Maybe you would like to join us for Storytime? Maybe you enjoy copying newsletters or helping to sort recyclables? Do you enjoy prepping art activities or cutting out pictures? Maybe you have a special talent you want to share? Whatever it is, please let us know. We are eager to get to know you as well as your child.




Important Tips and Tidbits

Spare ClothesLearning in Pre-K can be messy and sometimes toileting accidents and spills happen! It is critical that we are prepared. Please send in a complete set of extra clothing in a large zip-lock bag that we can keep at school. Each bag should include: shirt, pants, underwear, diapers (if needed) and socks and each item must be labeled. If spare clothing is needed, please remember to clean them and send them back to school as soon as possible.

LabelingMake sure labels are on the inside of all personal belongings, with both first and last names (jackets, sweater, boots, mittens, books, backpacks, sharing items, etc.).

Communication Folders/NotebooksRecognizing the importance of opening the lines of communication, each child is provided with a communication notebook and folder. This folder and/or notebook will hold any notes from school and we also encourage you to use the folder and/or notebook to send in any notes you may have. Teachers check them daily, and we ask that you do as well. It is sure to be filled with beautiful pieces of artwork from your little one!

Birthday CelebrationsBirthdays are a very important and exciting celebration for Pre-K children and their families and we are also excited to share in your child’s special day. On their birthday, each child will be recognized in many special ways by their teacher and class. Maybe they will be the line leader that day? Maybe they will pick out the story for that day? As in many types of celebrations music and dance will also be a part of our birthday recognition here.

In keeping with the district’s health and wellness initiative, only certain foods are allowed. Please feel free to send in favors or goodie bags. We will be enjoying fabulous celebrations without these items and encourage you to join us. Please contact your child’s teacher as his/her birthday approaches to plan your part in this special day. Does your child have a summer birthday? No worries; we will celebrate those in June. If you are sending invitations to a birthday party, we ask that you only send in invitations for the whole class for the teacher to pass out.

Sharing DayOccasionally days will be specified for “sharing” and these will be marked on the calendar. Please help your child select one item to share with his/her classmates. The object must:

▪ Fit in the child’s backpack▪ Be labeled with the child’s name▪ Relate to our current theme.

This activity is used to encourage socialization and expressive language development as well as working on comparison concepts. Please remember that it is very sad, often distressing, if a child does not have anything to share. If you need ideas or help with this, please talk to your child’s teacher. Please keep in mind that sharing at this age is not always easy and sharing their most treasured item may not be the best way to achieve success.




Guns, war toys, super heroes or other toys of destruction are not allowed at school!

Home ToysWe have plenty of toys and games at school to excite and engage your child so we encourage them to leave their toys at home to enjoy after school. It can be distracting and upsetting for some of our friends when toys from home arrive at school. Often this causes more distress than comfort to your child as they are not prepared for the attention their toy will receive from peers. In our busy classrooms there is also the risk that it may get lost. We cannot be responsible for toys that are brought to school. We do however understand that each child is unique with their own individual needs and some children may need to bring a small transition item. If that is necessary please let the teacher know, label the item and be sure it does not present a choking hazard. Pre-K students still have a tendency to put things in their mouth. Guns, war toys, weapons, super heroes or other toys of destruction are not allowed.

Communicating with Teachers and StaffEmail is probably the best way to contact our classroom teachers and special education staff if not through the news book. Emergency calls should be made directly to the school and request to speak to Danielle Galvin or Sue Reuter.

PaperworkPlease make sure you return all the required paperwork to your classroom teacher as soon as possible:● Signature Return Page stating that Parents/Guardians have read the Family/Student Handbook● Parents/Guardians have completed the Media Release Form that provides us permission to take

and use pictures and video of your child for educational purposes.● Emergency Contact Form. In times of emergency, it is vital that the school office be able to

contact parents or guardians immediately and directly. Two local relatives or friends must be listed on the back of the page as alternative contact people. *Any change in address, telephone number, workplace, or emergency contact persons must be reported to the school immediately. All information must be kept current.

Thank you for choosing to send your child to the RPS PRE-K Program and for taking the time to review our Student/Family Handbook. Please let us know if you have any questions about anything you have read.




2019-2020 Student/Family Handbook and Permissions Signature Page

Please ☑ each section, sign, and return this form to your child’s school as soon as possible.⃞ #1. I have read the RPS Pre-K Student/Family Handbook. I understand that the Student/Family Handbook sets the expectations for a successful school experience for students and families.

#2. Please select one option for Media Release Permission. (Page #16)⃞ YES, my student’s work, name, and/or photos/video/audio may appear in newsletters, on local cable television, in local newspapers, such as the Canton Citizen and the Canton Journal, and on the Canton Public Schools' website, individual school websites, external websites (e.g., classtag), and other forms of social media (e.g., Twitter, Facebook) during the 2019-2020 school year.

⃞ NO, my student’s work, name, and/or photos/video/audio may not appear in newsletters, on local cable television, in local newspapers, such as the Canton Citizen and the Canton Journal, and on the Canton Public Schools' website, individual school websites, external websites (e.g., classtag), and other forms of social media (e.g., Twitter, Facebook) during the 2019-2020 school year.

Student First Name: ______________________________ Student Last Name: ________________________

Classroom Teacher Name : _____________________________________________________ Parent/Guardian Signature (All Grades): _____________________________________ Date: ____________




Documents

Randolph · Web viewLiat Hoffman [email protected] Secretary Sue Reuter 781-961-6211 ext. 517 Hope Rego-Partial Inclusion 781-961-6211 ext. 104 [email protected]